The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is welcoming the UK government’s new trade strategy.
The document outlines the government’s plans to utilise trade opportunities while committing to high animal welfare standards.
Ministers released the UK Trade Strategy earlier this week, highlighting the government’s aim to reset the UK’s approach to international trade.
The RSPCA said it had being warning for some time that the UK trade strategy could lower market standards in terms of animal welfare.
The organisation has previously said different animal welfare laws in other countries could open up the UK market to poultry and eggs from battery-caged hens or chlorine-washed chicken, pork from sow stall systems, or hormone-treated beef.
However, after the release of the strategy yesterday (Thursday, June 26), the RSPCA is applauding the government on their commitment to maintain high food standards, outlined in chapter four of the document.
RSPCA
RSPCA trade experts stated that this strategy contains “great news” for animals, as the government aims to ‘safeguard’ animal welfare during trade talks.
RSPCA head of public affairs, David Bowles said: “The new UK Trade Strategy is great news for animals.
“The highest animal welfare should be at the heart of a world class agri-food and drinks sector for the UK.
“Including a clear commitment to safeguard animal welfare standards suggests the UK government means business when it pledges not to row back our higher animal welfare standards.”
The trade strategy outlines that ministers will use their “full range of powers” to protect the agriculture sector, especially in regard to animal welfare.
Trade Strategy
The strategy, which was released by the Department for Business and Trade stated; “A thriving agriculture sector underpins our food security and supports the prosperity of regional communities across the UK.
“We will not lower food standards and will uphold high animal welfare standards. We recognise concerns about methods of production, such as sow stalls and battery cages, which are not permitted in the UK.
“While methods vary in line with different climates, diseases and other contextual reasons, we will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage and any impact that may have.”
The RSPCA said it hopes the UK government will continue the good news by introducing mandatory food labelling for animal products, after announcing last month that it would consider implementing this policy.
